(ARSAL, LEBANON) — At least 11 Lebanese Army soldiers were killed in Arsal, Lebanon during clashes between Army and Syrian groups on Saturday and Sunday. Security sources say at least 13 have also been taken hostage and 30 militants have been killed.
The 13 soldiers were taken hostage by extremist armed groups controlling many parts of Arsal, who assaulted Army vehicles and seized soldiers.
Army troops were reportedly able to take back control of Wadi Hmayyed, a neighborhood on the entrance of Arsal that has witnessed heavy, non-stop clashes.
Despite the ongoing threat to the Lebanese Army, officials say the Army is firmly vowing to carry on with its mission in northeast Lebanon until the threat is eradicated.
“The Army continued its military operations throughout the night and this morning in Arsal and its environs, as it pursued armed groups and clashed with them,” a statement by the Lebanese Army read.
“What happened today is the most dangerous incident Lebanon and the Lebanese have ever faced, because it’s made clear that there is someone planning and preparing to attack Lebanon as well as planning to sabotage the Lebanese Army and the residents of Arsal.”
Due to the escalation of the situation, a top security meeting was scheduled for Sunday afternoon, and will be headed by Prime Minister Tammam Salam in the Grand Serail, with a Cabinet meeting scheduled for Monday at noon.
The clashes in Arsal also sparked tensions in the northern city of Tripoli, where gunmen attacked Army posts and Army vehicles in the city, wounding two soldiers.